A/HRC/11/37 for the full implementation of its obligations and commitments, and continue to participate actively in international cooperation on human rights. 433. The China Society for Human Rights Studies welcomed the priority given by Cuba to human rights and its significant achievements, especially in the field of education, health and food, despite the unjust blockade. It encouraged Cuba to share its experience in the right to health, in particular the primary, maternal and childcare programmes and HIV/AIDS control programmes. It recommended that Cuba continue to participate in international cooperation on human rights and provide other developing countries with medical and educational assistance. 434. Centrist Democratic International and Freedom House noted that the ratification of two international covenants on human rights was still pending. They stated that there were hundreds of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Cuba, many of whom were sick and not receiving medical attention. They stated that 21 deaths in prison, more than 500 arbitrary arrests and 26 cases of imprisonment of human rights defenders had been reported, and that 2 individuals had been subjected to intimidation for having submitted reports for the universal periodic review. 435. The Indian Council of South America, also on behalf of the International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, praised Cuba’s contribution to the issues of indigenous peoples and the right to food. While welcoming the ratification of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the invitation to the Special Rapporteur on torture, they called on Cuba to ratify the two international covenants on human rights and to invite other special procedures to visit the country. 436. Human Rights Watch and the International Federation for Human Rights regretted that Cuba had not explained the systematic violation of civil and political rights. They supported the recommendations that Cuba should adopt measures to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, condemned the repression of dissident activity and requested the immediate abrogation of laws used to restrict fundamental rights. They called for the liberation of political prisoners and an end to arbitrary detentions, and supported recommendations to establish guarantees for the protection of human rights defenders. 437. The Federation of Cuban Women noted advances in the situation of women, observing that gender equality was part of a democratic policy for social justice, which allowed women to participate in all social, political and economic arenas. It mentioned the guarantees for women in the areas of the right to work, land rights, sexual and reproductive rights, education and culture. It noted that this had been achieved despite the economic blockade. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 438. Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to continue to follow up on the results of the universal periodic review and the implementation of the recommendations it had accepted, with objectivity and rigour. 439. Cuba thanked all delegations that had recognized its efforts and achievements, and for their recommendations and constructive comments to continue to perfect its system, and thus improve the enjoyment of human rights for all. 440. Cuba thanked the majority of non-governmental organizations that participated in the debate. It regretted the dissonant voices of those that were mercenaries paid by the empire and voices of the defeated counter-revolution. 441. Cuba reiterated its commitment to cooperate with United Nations human rights machinery, especially the Council and its universal periodic review, and to continue GE.09-16766 125